Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

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Looking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. 

On Growing Joy with Plants, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation.

Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria

Recent Episodes
  • Plant Mythbusters: Debunking 5 Viral Plant Hacks with The Chocolate Botanist
    Apr 29, 2025 – 35:42
  • Why Politicians Should Be Gardeners: An Invitation to Rethink Leadership Through the Wisdom of Nature
    Apr 22, 2025 – 21:30
  • Growing Dahlias Made Easy: How to Grow Stunning Blooms from Tuber to Flower
    Apr 15, 2025 – 45:25
  • How Office Gardens Are Boosting Employee Wellness, One Plant at a Time
    Apr 8, 2025 – 40:08
  • From Wishlist to Whoops: 2025 Houseplant Trends, Plant Care Tips & Plant Fail Confessions From the Northwest Flower & Garden Show
    Apr 1, 2025 – 54:45
  • Soil & Strategy: The Two Garden Planning Secrets for Bigger, Healthier Harvests
    Mar 25, 2025 – 51:29
  • How to Live Seasonally and Celebrate the Spring Equinox
    Mar 18, 2025 – 45:23
  • How to Use Plants to Heal From Grief
    Mar 11, 2025 – 50:34
  • 5 Signs You're Overthinking Plant Care (And How to Relax)
    Mar 4, 2025 – 29:33
  • Houseplants for Kids: Raising the Next Generation of Plant Parents
    Feb 25, 2025 – 32:48
  • The Transformative Power of Flower Essences: What Are Flower Essences and How Can They Help Me?
    Feb 18, 2025 – 56:22
  • Houseplant Confidence: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
    Feb 11, 2025 – 36:35
  • Water Saving Techniques for Your Garden
    Feb 4, 2025 – 52:52
  • Plant Inspired Vacations
    Jan 28, 2025 – 55:30
  • Easy Houseplant Care, Houseplant Pest Control, and Motherhood and Plants
    Jan 21, 2025 – 51:09
  • Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management
    Jan 14, 2025 – 52:20
  • I Grew 40 New Plants in 2024: Ranked from Favorites to Flops
    Jan 7, 2025 – 47:40
  • The Role of Nature in Personal Growth
    Dec 31, 2024 – 57:30
  • Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of
    Dec 24, 2024 – 01:01:59
  • How to Work with The Winter Equinox
    Dec 17, 2024 – 01:00:28
  • Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office
    Dec 10, 2024 – 25:06
  • CaliKim on "10 Time Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden"
    Dec 3, 2024 – 56:34
  • Winter Houseguest Plants: Outdoor Plants That Can Grow Indoors This Winter (and go right back outside next summer!)
    Nov 26, 2024 – 44:37
  • Vacation Proof Your Plants
    Nov 19, 2024 – 27:26
  • Give the Gift of Growth // Holiday Houseplant Gift Guide
    Nov 12, 2024 – 20:12
  • Holiday Plant Care: Poinsettia/Christmas Cactus/Norfolk Pine Care
    Nov 5, 2024 – 01:01:46
  • The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces
    Oct 29, 2024 – 27:05
  • This Trick Will Save You 100s at the Garden Center // Plant Parent Personality
    Oct 22, 2024 – 46:44
  • Behind the Scenes with a Garden Center Owner
    Oct 15, 2024 – 47:17
  • Budget Friendly Ways to Elevate Your Garden
    Oct 8, 2024 – 49:05
  • How Plants Teach Us to Adapt to Change
    Oct 1, 2024 – 28:38
  • What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox // Seasonal Sessions
    Sep 24, 2024 – 01:01:19
  • I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I Learned
    Sep 17, 2024 – 36:02
  • Hoya Care for Beginners
    Sep 10, 2024 – 23:20
  • 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates
    Sep 3, 2024 – 47:53
  • Pet Friendly Plants
    Aug 27, 2024 – 18:03
  • Anthurium Care 101
    Aug 20, 2024 – 23:45
  • The Business of Horticulture
    Aug 13, 2024 – 01:04:38
  • How to Use Nature as a Spiritual and Wellness Tool with Jessica Zweig
    Aug 6, 2024 – 41:56
  • Garden to Table Recipes
    Jul 30, 2024 – 54:26
  • Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea
    Jul 23, 2024 – 57:58
  • What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture?
    Jul 16, 2024 – 01:04:07
  • Understanding Natural Light Levels for Thriving Houseplants // Do You Have Bright Light, Bright Indirect Light or Low Light for Houseplants?
    Jul 9, 2024 – 35:32
  • Interior Design for Beginners // Interior Design Principles for Houseplant Lovers
    Jul 2, 2024 – 01:03:22
  • Stop Killing Ferns! How to Care for Ferns
    Jun 25, 2024 – 27:05
  • Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice
    Jun 18, 2024 – 56:18
  • Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners
    Jun 11, 2024 – 01:11:29
  • How to Move with Houseplants
    Jun 4, 2024 – 01:06:49
  • Bird-Friendly Gardening
    May 28, 2024 – 01:02:23
  • Hydrangea Care
    May 21, 2024 – 54:44
Recent Reviews
  • User725262&
    One big commercial
    All she does is try to sell stuff. Useless
  • ummmm hai
    good tips!
    my friend just showed up with a christmas gift: an orchid. I love it. i felt intimidated because they’re a plant i’ve had trouble with in the past. I’m listening to Orchid 101 right now, and i’m more confident i’ll be able to keep it alive. Hopefully i can!
  • cole1592
    Love the podcast but…
    The singing in the intro is so beyond. But, I do attribute my plants living a wonderful life to her podcast.
  • Laurelite_
    Love the podcast, love the intro song
    This podcast is so positive and uplifting. I always really appreciate all of the energy and love that Maria clearly puts into this. I really enjoy that. She sings her own intro. Her voice is beautiful and it’s fun that she can kind of make her own catchy tune for the beginning of her podcast. I totally thought about how could I do that if I had a podcast, lol. I love how she talks about plants to create self-care routines and connections to nature and with other people as well. There’s a little bit of everything you can find on this podcast. She is giving me so many great tips for different things and this is definitely one of my first and ongoing plant podcasts that I never get tired of.
  • MLH5555555
    Informative content that needs pruning
    Just started to listen. Interesting tips and content for plant lovers. Update and positive. Wish there was less commercials. Episode length of 40-60 minutes is too long. Snackable length times would work better into lifestyle listening. Eliminate some over explaining in beginning just get to the great ideas.
  • M-hondo
    So informative and inspiring
    I absolutely love this podcast. All the content has been so helpful in not only caring for my plants but truly in self care and educating others! I listen to this in the mornings during my morning walks with the dogs or on my drive to work and it’s such a peaceful and easy listen. It has inspired me to grow my own tomatoes, garlic, herbs and others from my balcony of my small apartment. Also my house plants look amazing from just listening to the planty tips. Thank you so much for this podcast and I continue to listen to every new episode and gain new knowledge!
  • LAlovesMusic
    So helpful information
    I enjoy Listening because there’s so much helpful information. I just listened to the episode on bringing your houseplants in for the winter again so I could follow it step by step and not put my other plants in danger. I love all the passion Maria has for this topic and it makes even more worthwhile to listen to!
  • Plants by Wade Lee
    Growing Joy is just what I needed
    I’ve been struggling finding Joy lately. I tuned into How to Overcome Burnout and I’m taking the practice of looking at a plan before I look at a screen into my daily routine. Thank you, Maria.! I’ll be tuning into the podcast again.
  • Alexa.B.16
    (:!
    Hi I’m 11 years old and I love your podcast! I use your tips and my large amounts of indoor and outdoor plants are doing great. So thanks!!!!! 🌵🌲🌳🌴🌱🌿☘️🍀🎍🪴🎋🍃🍄🌾💐🌷🌹🪷🌺🌸🌼🌻
  • Tina Bolor
    Happy plant lady
    I love this podcast and all the fun guests Maria has on. Inspires me to garden and care for my plants. I’ve learned so much. Please don’t go political, there’s enough of that everywhere else. I love the positivity and mental health healing this podcast and plants give me. Thank you Maria!
  • foodscientist_bridget
    Falling in love with podcasts
    I discovered Maria’s podcast summer of 2019. I was going through a tough time, and planty podcasts were so healing and relaxing. I didn’t know why at the time. Over the years, I loved watching Maria deepen the connection between mental health and plants. Thank you, Maria, for forever hooking me to podcasts with your fellow planty podcast colleagues!
  • LVWillis
    Planty Driving :)
    I love Bloom and grow so much! I am a traveling pediatric therapist in Denver and this podcast fills my drives with planty joy! Maria I loved the episode at the AZ botanic gardens and would be THRILLED if you ever made your way to Denver botanic gardens for similar one for CO landscaping:)
  • LeslieSunshine
    Love it and grateful!
    I have recently gotten into plants to help with relieving stress and anxiety. This podcast has helped me with my love for plants, and with redirecting stress and anxiety. So thankful!
  • Nia Ita
    New here and I love it!
    I’ve been listening for under a year but I have found so many valuable nuggets and am really enjoying the ride. It’s a JOY to have found a podcast that shares and expands on my love for plants.
  • DevDev yay me
    10/10 highlights recommend
    Maria is a fabulous human. She loves plants and she loves humans. Each episode feels like it was curated just for you. It is apparent she goes out of her way to create each podcast with love. Her voice is very nice to listen to. I have been gardening and growing houseplants for decades and still find a new bit of knowledge on her episodes. Love the community feeling. 💚💚💚
  • Dr Les
    Best plant podcast for beginners!!
    I’ve been listening to Maria for a few years now and I have learned so much from it! She offers great interviews with plant experts. Her content is informative and perfect for those who are just starting out on their plant parent journey.
  • nic in the mitten
    GREAT podcast
    SO easy to listen to! I love hearing Maria and her planty knowledge is 👌
  • accidentally midwest
    Awesome for plant lovers!
    Love this podcast as a great, positive, upbeat source to learn new things about being a plant parent! Great place to grow your planty knowledge!
  • Erin Peabody
    Great podcast to get grounded
    I love listening to Maria! It makes me feel more grounded and connected to nature. I’ve truly enjoyed learning and listening to all the episodes thus far.
  • JessssssssssO
    New listener
    This is such an easy to listen to podcast! I appreciate the knowledge so freely shared to help me in my gardening experience. :)
  • Black Bunny Mama
    Very Informative
    Just recently found you after listening to your interview with Lisa from Simple Farmhouse Life. The few episode I have listened to have been very informative and I can’t wait to learn more from you.
  • Nana Rinny
    Everything you want to know about seeds!
    New listener here and I love her podcasts. Best podcast - very informative about seeds.
  • HeyRojo
    happy happy joy joy
    Love listening and following and learning - growing joy fits perfect with what I do, helping people dig deep to find their Happy Roots 🤗 using plants as a metaphor to gain freedom by unearthing and understanding and loving and accepting our true and authentic self 💗
  • Tumblr dot org
    Always my first pick when I have loads of podcast episodes to listen to!
    I haven’t been listening for very long but I have listened to every. single. episode. Maria is a beacon of light in the plant community and I love hearing her talk about all things planty. She always asks such insightful questions to her guests. Plus she is always sure to go over things for people who are new to the plant realm. I can’t get enough. Thank you Maria!!
  • IJ__Lopez
    Informative and Relatable
    Love this podcast. Every episode brings something new to learn and all of the stories and anecdotes that are shared make me feel like I’m not alone in my plant struggles. Not to mention Maria is a joy to listen to!
  • Maryrusko
    Brings me joy when I’m feeling down :)
    Your podcasts have helped me through some hard times. When I need to get away from my thoughts I will listen to a podcast while taking a walk. It’s also lonely living in the country, so it’s like having a friend on my walk. I’m always in a better mood as soon as I start listening and I usually end up walking longer than planned. I’m working on my horticulture degree too, so it’s even more fun to learn additional information. I appreciate all that you do!
  • Warrior Family.
    New listener
    I recently started listening to this podcast and I'm going back to listen to previous episodes. I have been able to relate to so many episode because my time with my plants has become part of my self-care routine. As an empath, I am that person who will cry when one of my plant babies dies so learning the most I can from this podcast really helps. I will continue to care for my plants like I don't have tons of laundry to do.
  • King kong Sam
    Good for my soul
    Maria teaches me about how to care for plants and my mental health. She is literally helping you grow your joy.
  • Witchhunt.er
    Plant knowledge queen
    Maria’s a great interviewer. She always thinks of things I never would have. I also love her inclusion of how plants are effecting her outlook on life
  • Newbie Gardner
    Favorite podcast
    Just discovered this podcast and love it! Helpful advice for a novice plant lover.
  • Bananawamma
    Love this!
    I really enjoy listening to this podcast. It’s super informative and sometimes I feel like she is directly speaking to me because she has experienced so many of the same things that I have with plants. Highly recommend for anyone that wants to know more about plants; both indoor and outdoor!
  • Firstbaby2016
    Maria, my spirit guide!
    Maria’s podcast not only fulfills my nerdy need for plantcare knowledge, the show also has a positive vibe that I find very healing in my daily chaos. Maria’s self-help tips sprinkled throughout are well-curated and much appreciated. Thank you for your innovative work, Maria!
  • AshLou S.
    Such a wealth of knowledge!
    If you’re new to having indoor plants, then this is the podcast for you! Each episode is full of educational information that isn’t overwhelming. She has great guests on that also provide a ton of information and encouragement. This podcast is welcoming to all levels and all types of people, it’s always positive and a ray of sunshine in my day!
  • Mjsichak
    My New Favorite Podcasts
    I discovered this podcast after purchasing Maria’s book Growing Joy. I love it. I can’t to listen to more.
  • Fashion Foodie
    Love this podcast!
    I recently got into plants for my mental health and I feel so lucky to have come across this podcast! Already re-listened to a few wonderful episodes. Maria’s voice is amazing, too! If you like plants and need a friend, this is the podcast!!!
  • Allsmilesgirl3177
    Great resource!
    This is such a great podcast, not just for myself, but I have sent people to listen who are new (and very interested in nerding out all in)!
  • Rockylynn27
    A treasure trove of plant wisdom
    I love this podcast. I have about 75 indoor plants and then garden outside in the spring, summer, and fall. While I have been enjoying my plant babies since I was 13 (I’m now 38), there is always something new that I pick up from Maria and her guests. The topics she covers are extremely diverse and I often find myself driving into a new plant rabbit hole after hearing about a plant-related topic I had never thought about before. My last rabbit hole was about starting plants from seedlings. I usually just buy small plants that I put into a garden, but between the amazing info on the podcast and the useful websites referenced in the episode notes, I may do seeds!
  • K❤B
    Phenomenal Podcast for Newbies/Experts!!!
    🪴DONT SLEEP ON THIS PODCAST🪴 Maria is such a fun and enthusiastic plant mom! She does an amazing job at explaining theories/ideas as well as choosing experts to bring onto the show! I learned about Growing Joy (Bloom and Grow) from her appearances on Plant Daddy podcast and couldn’t resist giving her show a listen.
  • Ira Wild
    This podcast changed my life
    Listening to this podcast helped me learn how to take care of plants. What I didn’t expect is that taking care of plants taught me how to take better care of myself. Thank you, Maria, for being a gift to the world, you beautiful human.
  • DelgadiA1111
    Mama Gaia love
    I am new to house plants & came across this podcast & I am so thankful I did. Maria seems like the uplifting friend we all need in our life. Her passion for plants goes beyond what I expected. 3 years ago I opened the door to living a more grounded, positive energy lifestyle & to my surprise this podcast has many episodes tying my new lifestyle into caring for my house plants. I love this podcast so much. Thank you Maria.
  • KellL99
    Wholesome, amaing podcast!
    Maria's podcast truly sparks joy and is a helpful and peaceful podcast to listen to for anyone passionate about plants. She covers houseplants and gardening, as well as anything surroung the joy that plants bring.
  • Scottdavids111
    Love you and all the learning !!
    I have learned so much from you over the years from all of the platforms you have broadcasted on!!
  • Akn4718
    So good!
    I recently found this podcast and I am loving it. Maria provides really helpful information and I love the focus on self care. Also there are a wide variety of topics covered. Her voice is so soothing.
  • Palm City Hats
    What a wonderful podcast
    I am a newbie to being a plant parent and this podcast helps me out so much in answering all the questions I have to grow my plants successfully
  • SARAHCS1996
    Love!
    I am a new listener and I love it! I only have two house plants lol but hoping to expand to a outdoor garden and keep them alive! I love listening it’s education and a good way to relax! Thank you!
  • kpp15648
    Love!!
    My husband and I are small, humble gardeners. We have learned so much from this podcast and it’s guests! We highly recommend giving it a listen even if you dabble in only houseplants!!
  • mamaminimalist
    Timely life lessons
    I came for the plant care help and I stayed for the self help! Maria is a dynamic and engaging host whose passion for houseplants hooked me from first listen. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life every week!
  • Sarah Larah Mary Louise
    Helpful and insightful.
    I love this podcast for all of its informative episodes but especially enjoy the tips for self care as well as plant care 😄
  • Daniellefryarlandreth
    Listening since the beginning
    I love this pod for so many reasons. My interest in plants and the power they hold grew so much listening to this show, but also love how relatable Maria is and her ability to share and explain new info! All the convos are so fun and now by listening to this show, people in my life come to me for planty advice!
  • activelyenjoylife
    Love, love, love!!! 💚🪴
    I’m a long time listener of the show and started my plant journey along with Maria from nearly the beginning. She’s been the positive voice helping me learn more about plants and the healthy habits of caring for them and myself! She has absolutely helped me grow joy every time I listen! Thank you Maria! You’re the best!
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